Agree.

I totally disagree with your vet!!! :mad:

Please, knew that vets are "experts" in medical issues with your pets, not necessarily behavior issues. I'm shocked she would tell you to crate your dog until he "knows you're alpha". How old school is your vet? Sweetie, please don't do this to him.

I agree that it sounds like he's fearful of the other dogs...and dogs act out so as to not become the prey of the dog that's making him fearful. Does that make sense?

I've got to tell you I'm in the same boat as you are with my boy. :eek:

We rescued him a little over a month ago. I had to baby him a lot at first as he was very ill. I assume this attentativeness and his loss of who knows how many other homes has caused him to fear losing his home with us as well. :(

I think he's scarred that other dogs may interfere with his loving home, so he thinks he needs to keep them away from me.

I had a new neighbor stop by with her 6 mth old GS pup while I was in the back (fenced) yard with him today. I went outside the gated picket fence (so he could see me) and pet the puppy while Barley watched us, but I talked to him too. :animal36

After a few minutes I let them sniff each other through the fence and this went well. I then let Barley greet her and they did wonderfully. Though I'm not fooled into thinking this will work with every dog. I continue walking him daily and hope this will help as well.

I don't take him to dog parks as I'm too worried that too many dogs would be on him at once. I think it's like taking a shy child and throwing them in front of a class to talk about themselves...only made me more shy and nervous...so I won't do that to my baby.

I'm optimistic that Barley is beginning to realize that he is in his forever home. And hopeful that he will become a social butterfly like my other two are.

By the way...he's very handsome and looks like a Yorkie to me too. I had the same thoughts about Barley when I first got him as well. Others here helped with that question as well. Is this just the best site ever!!!! :yorkietal

Whoa..there is definitely something wrong with your vet's advice:eek:. Crate him all day until he knows your the alpha:eek:? Pretty shocking that she thinks this is one of the solution. A relationship with a dog has to be built based on trust, respect and kindness. I agree with other posters that little things like you go out of the door first, walk in front of your dog and only let them jump on the furniture when invited works and should be practiced; not crated all day.

Also, I think you have been doing a good job in socializing Einstein at the dog parks and going out for walks. Definitely when he runs back to you and you see other dog/dogs following him and he feels uncomfortable, you need to protect him by directing the other dogs off of his back. I think you are doing the correct thing. Do not follow what your vet say or else your dog might revert back to square one! I say look for a good dog behaviouralist. Some dog trainers could be weird too so be sure to find one that uses methods that are kind and build trust and respect. I have to add there are some dogs that are shy and might not like a dog park setting when there are too many dogs to handle but if you can set up a playdate with dogs that you know and just a few of them at once, it will be better.

He is really cute and he is definitely a Yorkie no matter what other tries to tell you. I really don't see any Silky in him :).

AHhh I'd definately believe your boy is all Yorkie :) . I do not like the idea of leaving him in a crate all day :thumbdown He needs to be around people and feel like he does not have to use fear aggression. That is what it's called . I think that getting him fixed will help settle him down , then it will be a lot easier to work with him.
Who can blame him for his fears around children after how he was treated? He needs to have positive experiences with kids/men/and other dogs. Then slowly build up his confidence and trust. there has been too many negative , bad experiences for your dog , which has made fearful and aggressive.